I Got a Gallery in the Wild - Chapter 643

This crappy forest’s magnetic field must have gone completely haywire, because compasses didn’t work here.

Even if I managed to get a compass, it would just spin round and round, making it incredibly difficult to verify directions.

The only things I could rely on were the signposts I set up myself or the unique features of each region.

If a compass had worked properly, wouldn’t I have left this forest a long time ago?

’No, wait. That might have been even more dangerous.’

There was a high probability that, blinded by the thought of escaping, I would have pushed myself too hard and ended up blocked by all kinds of obstacles.

And those obstacles might have eaten me alive, or made me wish I were dead.

In a way, now that I had become as strong as could be, it was the perfect time to escape.

"With that in mind, I’m going to prepare for an expedition during this winter."

"Even if you call it an expedition, aren’t we just going to return here anyway?"

After obtaining the treasure map from the mole, I revealed my plan to the group.

Hearing this, Lackey raised a question while neatly devouring a bungeoppang.

Indeed, even when we reached the City of the Dead—that is, the City of Alund—we only set up a simple campsite and slept back at home.

This wasn’t just true for the City of Alund, but for all the other areas as well. This was all possible thanks to Cheongseol.

"That’s true. But Cheongseol’s movement range isn’t infinite, is it?"

I looked around for Cheongseol to ask for her opinion. However, she was nowhere to be seen.

Come to think of it, I remembered that Nidhogg had taken her away before winter arrived.

I didn’t know what she did with her every winter, but I could ask about that later.

"Anyway, we can’t rely solely on Cheongseol’s abilities. You know it too. We couldn’t use mana in that city."

"Hmm."

"Most outsiders can’t use mana when they enter the Forest of the Four Seasons. We could experience something similar."

This especially had a high probability of occurring in places where Earth’s civilization remained intact, like the City of Alund.

Therefore, even if just to prepare for any contingencies, we needed to thoroughly prepare for the expedition.

Furthermore, the amount of food my household consumed in a single day was, with a bit of exaggeration, equivalent to a military platoon’s rations.

Since they ate about 30 to 40 servings a day, we had no choice but to forage on-site or prepare supplies meticulously.

’Besides, the Hunters’ attacks on us have decreased lately.’

Until just a few months ago, our home was attacked constantly.

It only decreased after I bought a military-grade jammer, but back then, it really drove me crazy.

But now, even without the jammer, there was barely anyone attacking our home.

Furthermore, after subduing Dolsoe, they must have realized that I had begun to rule this entire territory.

’Those beavers who were executed by dismemberment only ended up that way because they acted up without knowing their place.’

In any case, to forage on-site, we might have to ’hunt’ rather than just fight.

The days of prey running straight into our laps were now a thing of the past.

What worried me was this damn forest itself.

It was a place crawling with things where losing an arm or a leg wouldn’t even be surprising if I let my guard down for a split second.

’Even if we bring plenty of food from the Meat Forest and Wine Pool, it will run out in no time.’

Food is very heavy. There’s a reason why they used oxen and horses to haul it in wars.

Largo would be able to carry much more than that, but there would definitely be a limit.

"Therefore, Park Kkobong. Park Dolsoe."

"Brother. Let’s get out of here before Master makes us do something weird."

"If you leave, no more bungeoppang for you."

I threatened them immediately before they could catch on.

While Lackey grumbled, Dolsoe just sat there silently. How could two brothers have such completely different personalities?

"It’s nothing major, so just listen. Since we’re going on a long expedition once winter ends, let’s start by making food that’s easy to preserve."

"Do you mean salting or smoking it?"

"Exactly. I made some before, so it should be easy."

"That got washed away in the flood."

"Ah."

Those beaver bastards are useless to the very end. In the end, I had to rebuild the smoking tripod.

Next, I smoked the meat obtained from the Meat Forest and Wine Pool until it was cooked to a golden brown.

"Master."

"What?"

"This looks incredibly delicious."

"To be honest, I think so too."

While I was at it, I distributed them one by one to the animals staying in the bathhouse and guest quarters.

Herbivores and carnivores alike devoured it. If it tastes good, being a herbivore doesn’t mean jack shit.

"Should we squeeze some lemon juice on this?"

"That’s incredibly luxurious."

"But it’ll taste amazing."

"As expected of Master."

Somehow, the smoked meat ended up becoming a full meal. Well, it tasted great, so let’s let it slide.Get faster updates on no‌velping.com.

Not only did we smoke meat, but we also made beef jerky using galbi marinade.

Since it wasn’t just salted but also tossed in galbi marinade, it would be more than enough to whet our appetites.

It would be extremely useful later.

"This is delicious too, Master."

"Eat in moderation."

Thus, I left the preservation food prep to the Sun Wukong brothers. The recipe itself was simple, so making a large batch was easy.

While the brothers made the preserved food, I examined the map first. The ultimate treasure map left behind by the mole who had departed from our home just a moment ago.

’This guy also considers the World Tree to be the center.’

The World Tree was drawn right in the center of the picture.

And our home’s location was to the bottom right of the World Tree.

Also, next to it, a river whose space constantly shifted was drawn. It seemed to be based on the layout before the crustal movements occurred.

’The frilled lizard’s carcass is in the middle... and we have to go northwest of the World Tree.’

It was practically on the exact opposite side. No wonder I estimated it would take at least three days.

Of course, determining directions in this forest was nearly impossible. Perhaps because of that, the mole had drawn detailed landmarks to use as signposts along the way.

’But every single one of them looks like a creature that rules over its territory.’

There were three of them drawn in total.

The one closest to the World Tree looked like a giant bird, similar to an ostrich.

Another was a tree that stretched straight up like the World Tree, but a face was clearly imprinted in the middle of its trunk.

’Does that mean the tree acts like an animal?’

Anyway, moving past that, the last one. The final monster was a creature that looked like a scorpion.

It was amazing how clearly the mole had drawn their characteristics. What concerned me even more was that the mole had actually met them.

’Does that mean they have high intelligence?’

I wasn’t sure if the mole had traded with them or was just warning me of their existence.

From my perspective, I hoped it was the former, because that would mean ’dialogue’ was possible.

Even the creatures that visited my home possessed a certain level of intelligence.

That was why they brought various fruits and paid their dues. Whether these creatures would be the same remained to be seen.

’If I knew this would happen, I should have asked more questions.’

The mole, who had already left, probably knew about their temperaments.

But he was gone, leaving only the promise that he would return next winter.

’It’s a pity, but there’s nothing I can do.’

More importantly, I should post the map on the Gallery first. This was definitely something to brag about.

Subject) Got a map

Wild Grylls

(Photo of a mole wearing a hard hat)

(Photo of the mole neatly eating bungeoppang)

(Photo of the map drawn by the mole)

The mole visited my house for the first time in a while. He came and gave me some really important info.

He said there’s a mole weapon at the very end of that path, and since it’s a weapon I recognize, I’m definitely going to go look for it.

Planning to travel quite a long distance for the first time in a while, yep.

ㄴHeavenly Demon) Did you not have a map you were working on yourself, my lord?

ㄴSword Matstar) Are you talking about that map mounted on the wall? That’s far from portable.

ㄴHe’s been drawing maps by hand all this time, but the mole just knew the whole geography lol.

ㄴDoesn’t that mean all his hard work was for nothing?

ㄴㄴㄴ No, no, the mole only came because Grylls got stronger lol.

ㄴPrincess Chaenggu) But since there’s no compass, I wonder if you can find your way there properly.

ㄴStarlight Lady) That’s true, but how does the mole know the directions so perfectly? I wonder if he has some secret know-how of his own.

ㄴIf he had some know-how, shouldn’t he have captured him right away?

ㄴGrylls is probably kicking himself in regret right now lol.

ㄴWild Grylls) Not really? That guy only knows the geography of this forest; he has no idea where the exit is. And apparently, each region is managed by his own kin?

ㄴWhat is he, a peddler? lol

ㄴForest of the Four Seasons Peddler: Must carry a fucking huge and beautiful staff though lol.

ㄴSince he does business in the Forest of the Four Seasons, he’s gotta be at least that tough lmfao.

ㄴThis will be a great tip for people trying to enter the Forest of the Four Seasons later. If you meet a mole in the Forest of the Four Seasons, you must trade with him no matter what.

ㄴIs someone actually going in again?

ㄴI heard that this time, instead of trash-tier ones, they’re sending in truly skilled adventurers and offering huge rewards?

ㄴThey’re apparently including the adventurer who survived last time, so it should be decent?

ㄴWe’ll see about that lol.

They’re pushing adventurers into the Forest of the Four Seasons again. Still, there is a difference from last time.

Last time they gathered only trash, but this time they’ve apparently assembled only highly skilled individuals.You are reading on nove​lping.com, the official source.

I had handed insect repellent to one of them, telling them to prepare properly.

I figured they would probably explore the forest again with that person at the center.

’They’ll manage on their own.’

I had my own problems to worry about. I was about to close the Gallery to prepare.

If only a certain post hadn’t caught my eye.

Subject) Breaking News. Elf Queen plans to visit the Forest of the Four Seasons

(Rough photo of the Elf Queen making an announcement)

Apparently, the Elf Queen is planning to visit the Forest of the Four Seasons and then come back out? What is this crazy woman trying to pull this time?

ㄴWhat the hell does that mean? Speak clearly.

ㄴExactly what it says. She’s going to enter the Forest of the Four Seasons with a Ghost Ship and then come back out.

ㄴWhy?

ㄴPartly because friction with the Dwarves is worsening lately, and also because the Forest of the Four Seasons is located right on the border.

ㄴIsn’t that basically a show of force?

ㄴㄴㄴ No, no, she’s saying, "Since we’re coming out like this, you guys should bring your Ghost Ship too."

ㄴAren’t the Dwarves’ Ghost Ships helping with mining operations right now?

ㄴYeah, she’s telling them to bring it over to negotiate.

ㄴShe’s really out of her mind lol.

Just when things seemed quiet lately, she’s looking to cause trouble again. Or maybe it’s a high-level psychological war.

Indeed, although the Elf Queen often displayed rather mad behavior, she was widely evaluated as highly competent.

Whether this was simple showmanship or an attempt to seize the upper hand, I would find out later.

Since it wasn’t of much help to me anyway, it was worth ignoring.

Subject) These pointy-eared bastards are seriously...

I’d rather they be openly greedy like the Demon Race. Acting all innocent while behaving like absolute clowns is the most fucking annoying thing.

ㄴPassing Dwarf) For real. I don’t get how those ugly-ass faces can call themselves beautiful.

ㄴLet’s Grow Trees) I cannot agree with that statement at all. Isn’t it actually the opposite?

ㄴPassing Dwarf) Go look in a mirror before you talk.

ㄴLet’s Grow Trees) My! The most beautiful elf in the world is standing right here!

ㄴPassing Dwarf) You’re seriously hopeless;;

ㄴLet’s Grow Trees) Don’t worry too much! After all, they say 90% of elves are beautiful, while 90% of dwarves are ugly!

ㄴPassing Dwarf) So that means both of us belong to the remaining 10%.

ㄴLet’s Grow Trees) I don’t talk to ugly people!

ㄴPassing Dwarf) Well, I do, so let’s keep talking, friend. Want me to send you some booze?

ㄴLet’s Grow Trees) You fucking dwarf bastard?

ㄴlololol

ㄴlmfao

ㄴhaha

The dwarf sure has a way with words. Maybe because his body doesn’t get drunk easily anymore, the words just flow out smoothly.

Well, even before, he was always exceptionally good at talking.

’Did he call my head an anvil in the past?’

Asking if my head was an anvil, and if that was why it got hit by a hammer, and so on.

Since he was always throwing out bizarre jokes, this was nothing.

I chuckled as I browsed the Gallery. I really couldn’t forget this pleasure.

Just as I was leisurely preparing for the expedition.

"Krrr."

"Master. We’re in big trouble."

"Why?"

"Cheongseol’s mother says she will be taking care of Cheongseol for the time being."

"...What?"

I heard completely unexpected news. It was a story straight from Nidhogg herself.

I couldn’t hide my bewilderment upon hearing the words delivered by Nidhogg, who had torn through space to appear.

Cheongseol’s role in our exploration accounted for a huge percentage. But to suddenly keep her away?

"Why is that? I’ve been feeding her regularly all this time..."

Although I had fed her a lot of junk food from her perspective, I had also fed her tree roots regularly.

So even though she had grown quite plump, I thought there wouldn’t be any health issues.

"Krrr. Krrk."

"She has gained too much weight. At this rate, she won’t be able to shed her skin on her own."

"Krrng."

"While it is good for a child to grow plump, shedding skin is an important matter."

"..."

She really gained too much weight, and that became the problem. I was left speechless.